The Nigerian Ports Authority Governing Board concluded a significant courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, at the royal palace in Calabar. The delegation, led by Board Chairman Senator Adeyeye Adedayo, was warmly received by the traditional ruler, marking a key engagement on the Board's official itinerary during its activities in Cross River State.
During the audience, the NPA delegation paid homage to the monarch and expressed appreciation for the Obong's sustained support in fostering peace and stability throughout the state. The Chairman underscored the critical importance of traditional institutions in promoting commerce and peaceful coexistence, noting that the Obong's leadership has created an operating environment conducive to port activities and maritime trade. Peace and stability, he emphasized, remain foundational prerequisites for efficient port operations and the broader economic activity they generate.
In his response, the Obong of Calabar assured the Governing Board of his unwavering commitment to initiatives that advance economic growth and development in Cross River State through the port sector. The exchange reflected a mutual recognition of the interdependence between traditional governance structures and port-led development, with both parties signaling alignment on strategies to leverage the Calabar port's potential for regional prosperity.